How to Properly Select Tires for Your Off Road Vehicle
If you're considering adding new wheels to your off road vehicle, it's important to know how to properly select tires to ensure they look and perform their best. This article will cover all of the essentials, but for expert advise, contact 146 Kustom today!
The first number in a tire size sequence denotes the load index. The second number is the speed rating, indicated by a letter.
Wheel offset
A wheel's offset is the measurement in millimeters from the hub mounting surface to the centerline of the wheel. It can be either positive or negative.
A positive offset moves the wheel closer to the vehicle's body and can reduce tire wear by increasing the amount of contact with suspension components such as king pins, axle bearings, and ball joints.
On the other hand, a negative offset moves the wheel farther away from the vehicle's body and can reduce steering feel, decreasing stability at high speeds. It can also increase the load on axle and hub bearings.
Wheel width
If you're serious about off-roading, a wider wheel and tire setup can provide better traction under heavy loads. But a wider setup also requires more clearance between the tires and other vehicle components, such as the brake calipers and suspension bushings.
The bolt pattern on a wheel is comprised of two numbers that indicate how many lug holes the wheel has around an imaginary circle. The bolt pattern must match the vehicle's for a safe, successful installation. The fourth number on a tire is the section width, which varies depending on the rim size. A thinner section width means a smaller overall tire.
Tire tread
If you spend a large amount of time off-road, you will likely want a tire with a deep tread pattern to improve traction. These types of tires also look better on lifted vehicles and add a rugged, aggressive look to the vehicle.
If your fleet spends most of its time on highways, a smoother tire will improve road noise and fuel economy. Depending on the load capacity of your truck, you may need to use a different tire size for a proper fit.
To check your tire's tread depth, place a quarter in the tread groove. If the tread meets or exceeds George Washington's head, the tire is at least 4/32" and is safe to drive on.
Terrain clearance for rubbing
If you're going to be slogging through mud or rock crawling over large obstacles, you'll need tires with blocky tread patterns that can grip the ground without tearing through your sidewall. On the other hand, if you're tackling mountainous terrain, you'll want a tire that can handle traction in ice and snow.
If you're in the Northeast like 146 Kustom, then you'll probably need M+S rated tires to tackle the harsh winter conditions. M+S rated tires are designed to provide traction in ice and snow, while still offering a comfortable highway ride.
Scrub radius
The scrub radius is the distance, viewed from the front, between the center of the wheel's contact patch and the point where the steering axis line crosses the ground. This has a profound effect on steering effort and feel.
If you have a negative scrub radius, road forces will cause the tires to toe-out and reduce torque steer. This is why OEM vehicles typically specify a positive scrub radius.
If you plan on using your truck or SUV for off-road driving, look for mud-terrain or all-terrain tires. They offer excellent grip for off-roading, as well as a comfortable ride and low road noise.
Amount of vehicle lift and suspension travel
Bigger tires look great on a truck, and there are plenty of options out there. However, the amount of suspension travel a vehicle can use is also important. This will be affected by the amount of lift and tire size you choose.
The best truck tires are those that can be used in a variety of climate conditions. Using one set of tires that are optimized for only one type of weather will limit your performance when the weather is at its worst.
Consider mud-terrain tires for your off road rig if you love to spend time on muddy trails or in deep sand. They offer maximum traction and are good for highway driving as well.
Axle size
It is important to note that increasing the size of your tire also increases the strain put on the drivetrain, and particularly the axle shafts. Manufacturers design axles based on the weight of the vehicle and load ranges. Adding larger tires not only increases the rotational mass, but the force being put on the axle shafts as well. Multiply that by the force of the tire being stuck in mud, against rocks, or other offroad conditions, and you could be in for a catastrophic failure.
If your worst driving conditions involve slogging through mud or snow then you should look for a set of tires that are specifically rated for those environments. Otherwise, you may regret the decision to upgrade your tire selection after you find yourself stuck in a situation that is beyond its capabilities.
If you're considering adding new wheels to your off road vehicle, it's important to know how to properly select tires to ensure they look and perform their best. This article will cover all of the essentials, but for expert advise, contact 146 Kustom today! The first number in a tire size sequence denotes the load…